Used wheels: Gen 2 Honda Insight had good fuel economy, space

Manoeuvrability, feature content, an accommodating interior and fuel mileage were all rated highly in the Gen 2 Insight. (Justin Pritchard)

Model: 2010-2012 Honda Insight

Vehicle type: Hybrid

History/description: The second-generation Honda Insight Hybrid returned to the marketplace for model-year 2010, some years after the original was discontinued. This five-door hatch packed the latest version of the automaker’s Integrated Motor Assist (IMA) hybrid system, which mated a gas-powered engine and an electric motor in the interests of fuel efficiency.

The Insight struck a chord with shoppers after an accommodating and flexible cabin and tremendous fuel efficiency, though unlike its prime competitor, the Toyota Prius, Insight only lived a short three-year life before being discontinued.

Look for a 1.3-litre i-VTEC engine attached to a 10-kilowatt electric motor, for 98 combined horsepower. Insight’s battery was housed in the Insight’s rear floor to maximize interior volume. Low fuel consumption and a 40 litre fuel tank were good for a cruising range exceeding 600 kilometres.

What owners like: Manoeuvrability, feature content, an accommodating interior, and of course, fuel mileage, were all rated highly. Multiple power outlets were appreciated, and most say the Insight offers up good forward and peripheral visibility. Storage galore and easy entry and exit round out the package.

What owners dislike: Complaints include poor rearward visibility, and less-than-impressive stability at highway speeds, where the Insight can be tossed around easily by side winds.

The test drive: Seek out a used unit that’s available with full servicing records that confirm all maintenance requirements, software updates, and recalls are up to date. Software updates to the hybrid system are sometimes installed by dealers when the vehicle is in for servicing, and buying a used Insight that’s had all software updates applied means less likelihood of experiencing issues.

Ensure Insight’s CVT transmission fluid and spark plugs aren’t past-due for a change, before agreeing to buy. A Honda dealer is the best place to have these important maintenance tasks performed.

Owners say the Insight is especially fussy about on-time CVT fluid changes, so be absolutely certain that these are up to date. Details are in the back of the owner’s manual.

Next up, don’t forget that the Insight is a hybrid, but that it’s still a regular car, too. Inspect common wear items, including tires and brake system components, for any sign that the seller is trying to pass off a repair or replacement bill.

Be sure to feel for a shuddering or lurching sensation during acceleration. This could be a sign of numerous problems ranging from the transmission, to a clutch inside of the powertrain, to a problem with an ignition coil pack. Do not agree to purchase a used Insight that exhibits this behaviour until a Honda service centre assesses the vehicle.

Some owners say the Insight’s standard 12-volt battery, which starts the engine and runs on-board electronics, may be a cause of concern as it ages. The lifespan of the conventional factory battery seems fairly short, and replacing it can remedy electronic issues, including flickering lights, or the sporadic operation of several on-board features, that may act up in the presence of low battery power.

Insight’s hybrid drive battery seems durable and long-lasting, and your writer wasn’t able to find any reports of non-warranty battery replacement due to battery failure. Note that Insight was covered by a mandated eight-year powertrain component warranty, which covers the hybrid battery.

Extended periods of non-driving (for instance, parking the vehicle for six months) can negatively affect the hybrid battery lifespan. If the unit you’re considering has low mileage for its age, be sure that it was driven regularly, for maximum peace of mind.

Apparently, certain 2012 Insight models may be prone to burning oil, likely as the result of a design issue with the engine. Ask the seller if they’ve ever had any trouble with burning oil or oil consumption, and be sure to check your oil regularly during ownership, having it changed at or ahead of schedule, with only Honda specified oil and filters.

Confirm that the air conditioner works as expected, and cools the cabin quickly. If not, a bad pressure switch is the likely culprit.

Listen to the suspension on the Insight you’re considering as you drive it around, noting that

some level of groaning or creaking from the suspension is typically considered normal at colder temperatures. If you detect louder, more intrusive sounds from beneath the vehicle on rougher roads, and especially from the rear end, be sure to have a technician check the rear shocks, which may be worn out. Worn rear shocks may give themselves away with a visible fluid leak down their exterior.

The verdict: Most of Insight’s commonly-reported problems should be easy for a hybrid-trained Honda technician to detect on a pre-purchase inspection of the used Insight you’re considering — though the potential oil consumption issues with 2012 models mean that a 2010 or 2011 model is likely the safest bet for maximum peace of mind.